Music has always been a part of my life -- now welcome to the journey. Just a little blog to reminisce, review, rant and rave about the music in my life. "Music is my mother and my father. It is my work and my rest,my blood, my compass, my love" ~Jeff Buckley

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

I remember that I was walking through the park along the cobblestones. People were zipping past me, running, going to work, not paying attention to what was around them. I heard someone playing a guitar. The song was vaguely familiar. I approached the man on the bench - to whom no one was paying attention. It was John Lennon. I stopped and listened. I stopped and watched. Everyone else was too busy it seemed.

This was the dream that brought me to New York City.

I had only seen Central Park in pictures. The song in question was Watching The Wheels. I remember when I moved to New York, going to Strawberry Fields was first on the list. It was almost exactly the same as the dream except that the park was filled with people who did stop to listen to all that was around them. It was also filled with sounds other than music: talking, cars, dogs barking. It was filled with smells - the pretzel vendor, the leaves, the city itself. No, John Lennon was not "there" but he really was.

John made New York City home - he was in love - he was happy. When you think about how much this man, this 40 year old, contributed to our culture, it is astonishing. In ten years, the Beatles changed the face of music history. They went from the mop top band to the political and social activists. They also remained four completely different individuals.

I may not agree with all of John Lennon's political beliefs, but there is one I subscribe to each day: Love is the Answer. All you Need is Love, Love, Woman, Mind Games ... Love Love Love. That was what John Lennon was all about. No, he was not perfect. But, he had to discover what love wasn't before he discovered what it was. Look at the pictures of John and Yoko in Central Park - you can feel that love.

Thirty-six years on and people still cry when they think of this day. John Lennon now represents a way of life and a way to move through our world. Imagine has become the battle cry of hope.

On that end, don't let today represent sadness. Let it propel you to make a difference, fall in love, or make amends. Let it allow you to follow a dream - you never know where it can take you.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

It seems as if everyone loves the music this time of year – Christmas music playing all the time in the stores as we shop. But – let’s look at some non-traditional holiday songs; the ones that do not typically get played in aisle five of Duane Reade

Christmas In Hollis – Come on, this is beautiful folks – this song is so wrong it’s right. Run DMC stereotypes galore, this song puts the hood into Christmas

Christmas All Over Again – by Tom Petty. Again, an original Christmas tune – played in Petty-esque simplicity –

Christmas Time – Smashing Pumpkins. Billy Corgan is Tim Burton’s dream soundtrack singer – he makes Christmas seem so Smashing Pumpkins in this song which is hauntingly beautiful.

Oi to the World – No Doubt … a punk Christmas tune that only Gwen Stefani could get away with covering. A song of forgiveness and bourbon – highly recommend.

I would never have imagined the next one. So I wanted a Hanukkah song but never thought I would come across a Hanukkah song like this. Please get ready to dance: Chanukah Jewish Rock of Ages - Official Hanukkah Song.

Don’t Shoot Me Santa – The Killers. Disturbing but the video is hysterical (and its The Killers, of course it is good).

I’m not even a Tom Waits fan – but this is awesome! Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis. Sad song – but beautifully done.

Fairytale of New York – This song is so New York, you can smell the bar at 4am. Beautiful (as much as Shane McGowan can be beautiful) duet with Kristy MacColl.

Christmas Must Be Tonight – My Morning Jacket. Jim James does not stray from the Band original. Classic and should be heard byall.

A New York City Christmas Tradition of sorts for us in the emergency response community. Shilelagh Law wrote Christmas in New York Again after the 11th and it captures holidays and remembers those no longer with us.

﻿Making Christmas – Nightmare Before Christmas – Eerie holiday song from one of the best movies ever made. If you want to play Christmas music starting after Halloween, you should start with this one!

Merry Christmas Everyone - Happy Hanukkah and have Very Blessed and Happy New Year!!!

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Many of us grew up listening to INXS. The songs are our youth. My first INXS memory came with listening to the cassette of The Swing. For about six months, I thought it was Dancing on Jelly. So I was like ten and we didn't have jetty's in westernPennsylvania. The sounds were new, fluid, and KICK is a soundtrack of many wonderful memories. When we hear those strings from Never Tear Us Apart, we are reminded of those nervous moments at school dances. Devil Inside was the song that meant fun was going to be had. And New Sensation was an anthem of experimentation. Moving along, X was the more mature anthem. Come on, who didn't get overwhelmed at By Your Side or relate to the symbolism in The Stairs.

While we all love Kirk, Gary, Andrew,
Jon, and Tim, it was Michael that lead the band with his charismatic
persona, golden good looks, and sultry soft yet powerful voice. He was
vulnerable and powerful. Our Michael was an enigma wrapped up in a
devilish grin and tight pants. However, with our love and fandom of him
also came our sadness for the troubles and trials we had to endure. His
music made him a video star. And media killed our video star. Tabloid
fodder brought down our shining star.

Each
passing year, we reminisce and pay homage to Michael Kelland John
Hutchence. In our memories he will always be the young, warm, energetic,
soft spoken heart throb lead singer.In our hearts, he will always be our youth.

In Michael's words ... Love and Peace.

The nature of your tragedy
Is chained around your neck
Do you lead or are you lead
Are you sure that you don't care
There are reasons here to give your life
And follow in your way
The passion lives to keep your faith
Though all are different, all are great
Climbing as we fall
We dare to hold on to our fate
And steal away our destiny
To catch ourselves
With quiet grace

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Jeff Buckley’s spirit was definitely hovering around Arlene’s
Grocery for his Annual Tribute concert but together by Robert Urban. Each year
I am both astonished and selfish about the growth of Jeff’s fan base. On the
verge of what would have been Jeff’s 49th
birthday, I met a 22 year old drummer from the UK who discovered Jeff only four
years ago. He, like most of us, quickly fell in love with Jeff.

There were new faces that sang the songs Jeff wrote as well
as songs both by musicians who inspired him and musicians he inspired. The early
highlights include Adam Cohen, Edwin Blas with Cesar Presa, and Matt
DeBenedetti of Toy Cars. From Hallelujah to Radiohead’s High and Dry, the night
kicked off with some great music fit for Jeff.

Now if people weren’t already moved when French musician
Michael DeFleur hit the stage after being in New York City while his country was
tragically attacked last week, he finished with a song that a handful
understood. Jeff Buckley’s Eternal Life on the Live at Sin-é opened with the
following monologue:

This is a song about, it's an angry song. Life is
too short and too complicated for people behind desks and people behind masks
to be ruining other people’s lives, initiating force against other people’s
lives on the basis of their income, their color, their class, their religious
beliefs, their whatever.

But Michael did not recite that … he only sang
the following before leaving the stage and it was a statement so raw that it
was hauntingly beautifully framed because it was Jeff’s words:

There's no time for hatred, only questions
Where is love, where is happiness, what is Life,
where is peace?

And what’s a Jeff Buckley Tribute without a cabaret? Honestly,
one of the most beautiful moments was Tracey Stark, Kathleen Stuart, Gretchen Reinhagen
and Beau Howard singing a beautiful and soul filled rendition of Hallelujah. It’s
moments like those that make the annual tribute so special. And more moments
were promised as Robert Urban joined the Jenny’s and Mike Linkens almost the
most Buckley-esque performance of the evening … almost.

Gary Lucas, guitar master, a mentee of Captain Beefheart,
song writer, andco-writer with Jeff himself...broke a guitar string when he started to play Mojo Pin with Tara Lynne.

But meanwhile as the guitar was re-strung, Mike Linkens joined Gary after a masterful acoustic solo. It was as if Jeff walked onto the stage and we were taken back to the days of Gods and Monsters. A snapshot in time given to us as gift to the Buckley faithful. See you all again for Jeff's 50th birthday next year.

Eternal Life is now on my trail
Got my red glitter coffin, man, just need one last nail
While all these ugly gentlemen play out their foolish games
there's a flaming red horizon that screams our names
And as your fantasies are broken in two
Did you really think this bloody road
would pave the way for you?
You better turn around
and blow your kiss hello to life eternal, angel
Racist every man, what have you done?
Man, you've made a killer of your unborn son...
Crown my fear your king at the point of a gun
All I want to do is love everyone...
And as your fantasies are broken in two
did you really think this bloody road
would pave the way for you?
You better turn around
and blow your kiss hello to life eternal
Oh...
There's no time for hatred, only questions
Where is love, where is happiness, what is Life,
where is peace?
When will I find the strength to bring me release?
And tell me where is the love in what your prophet has said?
Man, It sounds to me just like a prison for the walking dead
And I've got a message for you and your twisted hell
You better turn around and blow your kiss goodbye
to life eternal angel...
Angel...

Sunday, November 15, 2015

These are our people, said Bono. This could be me at a show, you at a show…It’s a very recognizable situation.

Friday's attack in the City of Love hit the heart and soul of many music fans. People out enjoying a carefree Friday night out in Paris became the target of anger and hate. The goal is to make us live in fear. Targeted because it was a mass gathering, or because it was a venue recently sold by its Jewish owners, or just a random, nonsensical act of barbarity, there are more questions than answers. Families, lovers, friends, lost on a night where others dined, and watched a football match, all completely unaware that they would not see another Paris sunrise.

What lessons can be learned? Love. Strength. No Fear. Acknowledgement that the hate will not simply vanish because we want it to. It is our love, determination, and our unwavering spirit of freedom that cannot be silenced. All we can do is continue to moving forward. We cannot cower and hide. We must live our lives, for when we stop enjoying it is then that hate truly will win.

﻿

I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss, and, in their struggles to be truly free, in their triumphs and defeats, through long years to come, I see the evil of this time and of the previous time of which this is the natural birth, gradually making expiation for itself and wearing out... Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities

Friday, November 6, 2015

Rateliff,
who looks like a cross between a barista and a backwoods preacher, has
greeted his success with a mix of excitement and trepidation." ... "It's
a lot easier if the crowd is on its feet and clapping and putting their
phones away. Rolling Stone

Missouri born and self-taught musician Nathaniel Rateliff and his hard hitting band, The Nightsweats are the "it band" and for good reason. Their sound is a mix of rock nostalgia with whiffs of The Band, Otis Redding, Van Morrison, and even the Big Bopper with a nice blend of The Wall of Sound. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats are refreshing in our world of TV talent shows. While Rateliff had several songs prior to the Nightsweats breakout album, it was his musical inspirations that seem to knock him on the head and say "hey, we can do this!"

The thirteen song, thirty-eight minute album is full of songs you think you've heard before. They're familiar but new at the same time. Their hit song, SOB woke everyone up. A song about giving up and then giving into the drink is driving and almost a church revival. Howling at Nothing is a good swing song with soul. And Thank You, well just says it all. The songs are simple but so full of harmony, thought, and musical history.

Live, you cannot go wrong with seeing Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats live. Nathaniel got his wish. At The Bowery Ballroom on November 4th, every single person in the crowd was singing, dancing, and stomping. Their performance is powerful but not overpowering. Each band member exudes their own gifted talent that blends into one musical gift. We can only hope that we get more from Nathaniel and the Nightsweats. We need to be refreshed and reminded why we love music so much.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

October 14, 1985 was the release date of INXS's fifth album, Listen Like Thieves. It was the final album of their worldwide obscurity. While in Australia, they were already sensational superstars, songs like What You Need would finally begin to trickle over to the US. Let's take a look at what made Thieves a classic. What You NeedThis song was made famous in the US because of its groundbreaking and award winning video. The rotoscope animation technique gave What You Need a new wave feel and added the pop animation that 80's music fans were feeling entitled to. Kirk Pengilly's sax riff and Michael Hutchence's sultry voice was a glimpse at what the future INXS would give us.

Listen Like ThievesSadly, not many know this gorgeous cinematic video, Mad Maxian video. And strangely enough, the apocalyptic montage fits the song well. Again, the future and static INXS sound is solidified in this song.

You are all you need So don't hesitate There's no time to waste You just do it for yourself

Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)The video for this song should be an Australian travel commercial. The red sand desert, the blazing sun, and the gigantic fire the backlights the band are the perfect backdrop for the Australian proud band. It's a song about love, getting hurt, and doing it all over again.

Shine Like it DoesIf there is one thing about INXS lyrics, it is that they are very simple, but hard hitting and true. Shine Like It Does is no exception.Made up of not even twenty lines, its message is simple: do your best.

Good Times + Bad TimesThis one is more reminiscent of the bands previous album, The Swing. While not a huge hit, it was resurrected with Australian singer, Jimmy Barnes.

Biting BulletsAnother hidden gem in the lyric library of INXS. This song is full of symbolism and metaphors set to a toe tapping 80's rhythm.

I loose myself like anybody else But I'm not so strong to make it in the end I need some answers when The day comes crashing down But it's all over when there's No one to be found

﻿

This TimeLots of love songs on this album. A song about love, loss, and finding each other again.

We are hoping - yes we are praying

This time will be the last time

That we will fight like this

Same DirectionLove, love, love. This love song has the beat of a march off to the war of love. One + OneLots of saxophone and more love, and promises to be there through the night, if you know what I mean. Michael's troubadour is definitely in full swing in this song.

Red SunA fitting final song of the album. It's an amalgam of the old and the new and a perfect segue into KICK.

Monday, September 7, 2015

We all have that one soundtrack that we can listen to over and over. The movie might be so so but the music is what makes the film -- and the television show. Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937, was the first commercially released soundtrack. And soundtracks can be both made from your favorite songs, or from arranged scores. Let's take a look at some of our favorite movie and television soundtracks. There are so many not mentioned - maybe it will be a sequel posting. Pulp FictionThis song gave us some memorable and unforgettable music and movie moments. Face it, anytime you hear Chuck Berry's You Can Never Tell, you start to twist and you do the eye thing. Neil Diamond's Girl You'll be a Woman Soon is made eerily modern by Urge Overkill, old time hits by Rickie Nelson, The Statler Brothers, and Dusty Springfield fit this timeless hit as accurately as Vincent stabs the syringe into Mia's chest. Top Gun1986's hit had some wonderful music moments - and some songs didn't make the first cut of the soundtrack. Subsequent releases included songs such as Great Balls of Fire and the classic, You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling.

Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins

Mighty Wings by Cheap Trick Playing with the Boys by Kenny Loggins Lead Me On by Teena Marie Take My Breath Away by Berlin Hot Summer Nights by Miami Sound Machine Heaven in Your Eyes by Loverboy Through the Fire by Larry Greene Destination Unknown by Marietta Top GunAnthem by Harold Faltermeyer & Steve Stevens Dirty Dancing

(I've Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes Be My Baby by The RonettesShe's Like the Wind by Patrick Swayze Hungry Eyes by Eric CarmenStay by Maurice Williams and the ZodiacsYes by Merry ClaytonYou Don't Own Me by Blow MonkeysHey! Baby by Bruce ChannelOverload by Alfie ZappacostaLove Is Strange by Mickey & SylviaWhere Are You Tonight? by Tom JohnstonIn the Still of the Night by The Five SatinsSinglesTHIS film is my generation. If you weren't already into grunge, by the time this film came out, you were. Mudhoney, Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains

Would? by Alice in Chains

Breath by Pearl Jam

Seasons by Chris Cornell

Dyslexic Heart by Paul Westerberg

The Battle of Evermore(live
Led Zeppelin cover) by The Lovemongers

Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thornsby Mother Love Bone

Birth Ritual by Soundgarden

State of
Love and Trust by Pearl Jam

Overblown byMudhoney

Waiting for Somebody byPaul
Westerberg

May This Be Love byThe Jimi
Hendrix Experience

Nearly Lost You byScreaming
Trees

Drownby The Smashing Pumpkins

GoodfellasThis soundtrack is only a glimpse of all of the songs used in the movie. It is a treasure trove of musical gifts and surprises. Forty seven songs can be heard throughout the film as they relate to the action and directly to the characters. Rags to Riches by Tony BennettSincerely by The MoonglowsSpeedoo by The CadillacsStardust by Billy Ward and His DominoesLook in My Eyes by The ChantelsLife Is but a Dream by The HarptonesRemember (Walking in the Sand) by The Shangri-LasBaby, I Love You by Aretha FranklinBeyond the Sea by Bobby DarinSunshine of Your Love by CreamMannish Boy by Muddy WatersLayla (Piano Exit) by Derek and the DominosCocktailThe 1988 film had the starpower but it also had the musical power and produced many hits of the day.

Wild Again by StarshipPowerful Stuff by The Fabulour ThunderbirdsSince When by Robbie NevilDon't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrinHippy Hippy Shake by The Georgie SatellitesKokomo by The Beach BoysRave On by John Cougar MellencampAll Shook Up by Ry CooderOh, I Love You So by Preston SmithTutti Frutti by Little RichardTrainspottingThe songs are gritty and grinding just like this classic Scottish film. It put Iggy Pop back on the charts

Lust for Life by Iggy PopCarmen Suite No.2 by Georges BizetDeep Blue Day by Brian EnoTrainspotting by Primal ScreamTemptation by Heaven 17Atomic by SleeperTemptation by New OrderNightclubbing by Iggy PopSing by BlurPerfect Day by Lou ReedDark and Long (Dark Train) by UnderworldThink About the Way by Ice MCMile End by PulpFor What You Dream Of by (Full-on Renaissance Mix) by Bedrock featuring KYO2:1 by ElasticaHerzlich Tut Mich Verlangen by Gabor LehotkaA Final Hit by LeftfieldStatuesque by SleeperBorn Slippy .NUXX by UnderworldCloset Romantic by Damon AlbarnAmerican GraffitiThe 1973 soundtrack gave us over 40 songs of our beloved youth. These were songs from times of innocence and exploration of the post WWII generation. This film and its music is a time capsule of the era.

Saturday Night Fever

The 1977 film made us want to dance the night away, eat our pizza the Brooklyn way, and strut down the street like John Travolta. With Bee Gee's hits like Stayin' Alive, Jive Talkin',You Should be Dancing, and Night Fever, this soundtrack is the 1970's disco era. The DepartedThis 2006 remake of a Japanese crime drama brought Boston Southie gangs back to the big screen with a soundtrack that contains classic songs by The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys.

Comfortably Numb by Roger Waters / Van Morrison and The BandSail On Sailor by The Beach BoysLet It Loose by The Rolling StonesSweet Dreams by Roy BuchananOne Way Out by The Allman BrothersBaby Blue by Bad FingerI'm Shipping Up To Boston by Dropkick Murphy's Nobody But Me by The Human BeinzTweedle Dee by LaVern BakerSweet Dreams (of you) by Patsy ClineThe Departed TangoBeacon Hill

The Big Chill

I Heard it Through the Grapevine by Marvin GayeMy Girl by The TemptationsGood Lovin' by The Young RascalsThe Tracks of My Tears by The MiraclesJoy to the World by Three Dog NightAin't Too Proud to Beg The TempationNatural Woman by Aretha FranklinI Second That Emotion by Smokey Robinson and The MiraclesA Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum Tell Him by The ExcitersRocky IVIt might not by the best Rocky but this soundtrack has inspired more stair climbs and fist-pumping than any other.

Burning Heart by SurvivorHeart's on Fire by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown BandDouble or Nothing by Kenny Loggins & Gladys KnightEye of the Tiger by SurvivorWar by Vince DiColaLiving in America by James BrownNo Easy Way Out by Robert TepperOne Way Street by Go WestThe Sweetest Victory by TouchTraining Montage by Vince DiColaBlues Brothers

Until the End of the WorldMost of you have never heard of this 1991 film. It's artsy, it's in two parts, and it's by Wim Wenders.Opening Title by Graeme RevellSax And Violins byTalking HeadsSummer Kisses, Winter Tears by Julee CruiseMove with Me (Dub) by Neneh CherryThe Adversary by Crime & the City SolutionWhat's Good by Lou ReedLast Night Sleep by CanFretless by R.E.M.Days by Elvis CostelloClaire's Theme by Graeme Revell(I'll Love You) Till The End Of The World by Nick Cave & The Bad SeedsIt Takes Time by Patti Smith (With Fred Smith)Death's Door by Depeche ModeLove Theme by Graeme RevellCalling All Angels by Jane Siberry with k.d. langHumans from Earth by T-Bone BurnettSleeping in the Devil's Bed by Daniel LanoisUntil the End of the World by U2Finale by Graeme RevellPurple Rain

I am guessing I was not supposed to be listening to the Purple Rain soundtrack. Looking back, I shouldn't have been listening to the Purple Rain Soundtrack. It's stood the test of time and almost all songs (that are playable on the radio) are still Prince and the Revolution Classics.

Let's Go Crazy by Prince and the Revolution

Jungle Love by The Time

Take Me with U by Prince and the Revolution featuring Apollonia

Modernaireby Dez Dickerson and the Modernaires

The Beautiful Ones by Prince and the
Revolution

When Doves Cry by Prince

Computer Blue by Prince and the Revolution

Darling Nikki by Prince and the Revolution

Sex Shooter by Apollonia 6

The Bird by The Time

Purple Rain by Prince and the Revolution

I Would Die 4 U by Prince and the Revolution

Baby I'm a Star by Prince and the Revolution

HELP!

This is a classic from 1965 and a fun film. Each song is it's own video, whether it's solemn John, a beach scene with Paul playing a girl guitar, or having fun on a ski slope while being chased by thugs.

Help!You're Going to Lose That GirlYou've Got to Hide Your Love AwayTicket to RideI Need YouThe Night BeforeAnother GirlShe's a Woman A Hard Day's Night I'm Happy Just to Dance with You You Can't Do ThatMiami Vice

For five seasons in the 1980's Crocket and Tubbs always got into mischief while saving Miami from prostitutes and drug lords. They also introduced us each week to some of the hottest songs on the radio. In the September 16th edition of Time Magazine, in a article called Cool Cops, Hot Show, it was stated that upwards of $10,000 was set aside to get popular songs into the show. U2, Sheena Easton, Phil Collins, El Debarge, Bryan Adams, and numerous other superstars were rocketed to instant stardom when their songs were heard on the show. Original Miami Vice Theme by Jan HammerSmuggler's Blues by Glenn FreyOwn the Night by Chaka KhanYou Belong to the City by Glenn FreyIn the Air Tonight by Phil CollinsMiami Vice Instrumental by Jan HammerVice by Melle MelYou Better Be Good To Me by Tina TurnerFlashback by Jan HammerChase by Jan HammerEvan by Jan Hammer

Northern ExposureThis is one of my favorite shows. It was known for its quirks and for me the music. While the DVD didn't deliver the music, the show will always have those wonderful music moments in my memory. Come one, a funeral fling for a former biker to Procol Harum's Whiter Shade of Pale?